Newark teen arrested, charged in bedroom burglaries, robbery

An 18 year old was arrested Friday after being recognized at police headquarters by two victims he robbed earlier in the day, police say.Star-Ledger file photo

NEWARK — A teenager was arrested after allegedly breaking into two houses Friday morning, police said.

Barkley Donte, 18, was arrested at Newark Police Headquarters after the two victims giving their statements saw Donte as he was being questioned by detectives in an unrelated incident, said Sgt. Ronald Glover.

Donte is accused of breaking into an apartment on the 400 block of 18th Avenue at approximately 4 a.m., authorities said. The 23-year-old occupant of the house awoke to find Donte in his bedroom – and the victim also recognized him from a burglary back in March, Glover said. The victim chased Donte into the street, where they fought, but Donte was able to run away, police said.

About three hours later, Donte allegedly broke into a South 10th Street home, waking a female resident, Glover said. The 24-year-old victim awoke to find Donte standing over her, authorities said. Donte began threatening her, and then demanded she remove her pants, Glover said. The victim ran out of the room and fled, and Donte left with an iPhone and other belongings, authorities said.

Later in the day, both victims were being interviewed by detectives at Newark Police Headquarters when they recognized Donte – who was being interviewed about an unrelated incident, Glover said.

Donte is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, robbery and burglary for the first incident. He also is charged with burglary, terroristic threats, unlawful possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon for the second incident, Glover added.